By the
end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th C. the great warsword found
a new expression and form in the Scottish highlands.

This period saw the beginning of the great scottish Claymore, whose character
and unique nimbus is ever associated with the indomitable spirit of the
Highland warriors. On depictions on grave slabs from the western highlands
we can see its unique features already established from the beginning:
a blade with little profile taper mounted with a rather long grip and
the sloping guard ending with quatrefoil decorations.

The Highland warsword was usually of slightly smaller dimension than its
continental cousin the great two-hander of the late 16th C. A claymore
is still a very impresive weapon that is frequently mounted on a good
quality blade of German manufacture. We have based our version of this
early 16th C style Claymore on the XIIIa blade developed for our XIIIa
war sword the Duke. The balance and heft will be very similar between
these two swords.

The Chieftain will have a slightly longer grip than the Duke to follow
the example of historical originals and period depictions in art. The
result is a sword of dominating visual apearance. This visual impact follows
through in the handling: a strong authority combined with a smooth control
of edge and point.

Special care has been taken so that the blade has the same careful distribution
of weight and crisp definition as can be observed in the most well preserved
originals. The type XIIIa blade need not be a clumsy cousin of the somewhat
slimmer XIIa warswords, as the broader point is lightened by a more acute
distal taper in the outer part of the blade. The XIIIa blade that is the
basis for the Chieftain and the Duke has a heft that belies its weight,
yielding responsive control and effortless handling.

Because of its long grip and large blade, two handed use is probably most
natural, even though the balance allows it to be wielded in one hand.

A Limited Edition Hand Crafted Collectible Sword
This sword is offered in a limited edition of only 1,000 collectible swords
worldwide.